Karyn Polito on Technology

Eleventh Worcester Republican (MA State Rep)

Build out high-speed internet via local partnerships

For the past three years, Karyn Polito and I have focused on strengthening communities. Our first Executive Order created a new partnership between state and local government. Funded by the Legislature and overseen by the Lieutenant Governor,
330 cities and towns have joined this partnership. Adopting more than 800 best practices in everything from financial planning to regional collaboration. This is how government should work.

When we took office, more than 50 communities in
Western Massachusetts didn't have access to high speed internet services. [Now] the vast majority of the communities that had none when we took office either have it now or have plans to install it.
Thanks to this Legislature's help with funding for the build out they will all have this must have infrastructure over the next two years.

Voted NO on replacing restrictions on local aid allocations

A budget amendment (introduced by Rep. Jones, R, North Reading) to the proposed FY06 budget would
require that half of state revenue above $14.6 billion must go to local aid, up to $200 million total. The replacement amendment (introduced by Rep. St. Fleur, D, Boston) would maintain the existing local aid distribution formula. A vote of
YEA would replace the restricted formula with the existing distribution formula.

The relevant part of the MassDems Platform is Part XII, clause 4: TAXES AND PUBLIC SERVICES: Recognizing that small communities provide government services with largely
volunteer officials, we support efforts to educate and empower local officials with the information and resources necessary to carry out their duties in a professional manner.

Voted NO on emerging technologies, math & science Fund

Vote on overriding the governor's veto of the following section: (Section 70): contained in the
engrossed Bill relative to investments in emerging technologies to promote job creation, economic stability and competitiveness in the Massachusetts economy.

Relevant platform section:Part IV: Economic Growth: Workforce Training: "We are aware that one
out of three workers in this state need additional skills to maintain their employment in today's changing economy.... In the face of a global economy and advanced technology, workers need ongoing skill development and job training.
We support increased public and private funding for business and labor to address the Massachusetts skills gap."